PETA Versus Vice President Joe Biden

In this time of economic turmoil, pirates holding Americans hostage and the other pressing issues of the day, I appreciate that PETA has focused attention on what is truly important: Vice President Joe Biden bought a puppy from a dog breeder instead of getting a dog from a shelter.

Vice President Biden and his wife Jill obtained a German Shephard from a dog breeder in Pennsylvania around Christmas time. Apparently, Jill Biden promised her husband the family could get a dog if Obama and Biden won the election. The dog was delivered shortly after the inauguration and the family named him Champ.

Now the group, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, has raised an issue with the fact that Biden bought the puppy from a breeder rather than getting the puppy from a Shelter. The Breeder now regrets selling the puppy to the Bidens because of all the negative press and has even received some death threats.

 I don't question PETA's motives.  They are an organization that is attempting to do a good thing; ensure the ethical treament of animals and help saves the lives of thousands of dogs and cats that currently reside in shelters.  However, there is a time and place to raise this type of issue and now is not the time.

The Country is in the middle of a real economic crisis and real threats exist abroad.  The Obama admistration has taken some positive steps in regards to the economy.  The stock market has rebounded a bit and the jobless rate is slowing.  While not out of the woods, positive steps have been taken. 

Further, Obama faces real threats abroad.  Pirates, yes pirates, captures Americans off the Somalian Coast.  Obama sent in Navy Seals to rescue the Captain.  The mission was successful.  Of course two hundred people are still being held captive. 

The problem with what PETA is doing is making noise about this non-issue right now.  Instead of talking up the economy or raising the issue of Americans being held captive abroad in Somalia and North Korea (See My Other Blog Re Detained In North Korea and Please Help If You Can) CNN is telling this story.  Why?  Because they can show newsreel of Pamela Anderson.

Worst of all, this story is feeding the right wing commentators who never miss an opportunity to rail against the Obama administration. And why shouldn't they? PETA is considered a liberal group and here it is embarrasing the Democratic Administration. That itself is a story and one that the Right Wing will tell over and over again.

PETA needs to do what is right by the group they represent; the animals. By raising these type of issues in order to capture publicity only alienates the very people they need to exist: Liberals like me. Further, it makes the Obama Administration lose credibility. When the media doesn't have to report of successes and reports on embarrasing non-issues like this, the public loses faith.  Nobody lost their house, job or savings.  Nobody was killed by a terrorist.  Joe Biden bought a dog.